Ports, shipping, aviation cargo, warehousing and trade
Shipping risks in the Middle East and rising demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure are reshaping trade finance corridors between the Gulf and China. Bankers report credit facility expansions to cover longer transit times, while IMF leadership warns of persistently elevated energy prices.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has advised carriers to avoid the Jeddah Flight Information Region following strikes on Riyadh's airport. Meanwhile, plans to resume US-Lebanon direct flights remain stalled due to regional airspace safety concerns.
The Baltic Exchange reported sharp increases in crude tanker freight rates connecting the Gulf region to China on October 9, 2026. Very Large Crude Carrier earnings on key Middle East to China routes experienced substantial daily gains amid vessel constraints and strong chartering activity.
Surging maritime shipping costs have led Asian and Chinese refiners to favor Middle Eastern crude over West African supplies, according to analytics firm Kpler. Shipping freight rates have quadrupled from pre-crisis baselines, shutting down long-haul arbitrages. Resurgent Persian Gulf exports and restored Saudi logistics have consequently reclaimed market share in East Asia.
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